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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Evaluation of maxillary sinus changes following molar distalization using clear aligners: A three-dimensional study
Naseem Ali Al-Worafi1, Maged Ali Al-Aroomi2, Akram Al-Nasri3
1Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, Shenyang 110002, PR China.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of molar distalization with clear aligners (CAs) on maxillary sinus parameters and its proximity to the root apices of maxillary molars using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).
Methods:
The study involved pre- and post-treatment CBCT images of 27 adult patients. MIMICS 21.0 software was used to measure maxillary sinus volume and surface area, while Invivo Dental 6.0 program was used to measure the sinus diameters and proximity of the maxillary molar root apices to the sinus floor.
Results:
Post-treatment, there was a marked increase in the average volume and surface area of the maxillary sinus on both sides; however, changes in dimensions were not statistically significant. Sinus proximity to the root apices of the maxillary molars showed statistically significant differences, particularly on the left side for all roots. Gender and age impacted the outcomes, with males and younger individuals showing more pronounced changes. No significant differences were observed between the left and right sinuses in all parameters.
Conclusion:
Molar distalization with CAs increases maxillary sinus parameters, more notably in younger and male patients. All molar teeth roots moved toward the sinus, particularly the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary second molar protruded to the sinus.
